Sunday, August 31, 2014

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued the following statement in response to Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s attack on The Bronx, made during a speech before the conservative group Americans for Prosperityon Saturday:

“Ted Cruz's willingness to traffic in the outdated stereotypes of past decades is disgusting, and is totally devoid of truth. The Bronx has seen unprecedented positive growth in recent years, and Senator Cruz's infantile attempt to score cheap political points by slandering our borough is revolting, and unworthy of the title of United States Senator."

Saturday, August 30, 2014

State agencies spent more than $316 million on overtime in the first six months of 2014, a jump of $22 million over the same period in 2013, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. State employees worked more than 7.8 million overtime hours, up 7.6 percent over the same period in 2013.

“This troubling trend could again result in a record-breaking year of overtime hours and overtime pay,” DiNapoli said. “Our state agencies need to examine their practices, get to the root of what is driving high overtime and better manage these costs.”

DiNapoli’s office routinely issues reports on ways to improve the efficiency of state operations, including periodic reports on how overtime is managed by state agencies.

The total cost of overtime as a percentage of gross payroll rose slightly from 3.9 percent to 4.3 percent in the first six months of 2014. If overtime continues to rise at this pace, total costs for 2014 could exceed $640 million. Last year, overtime at state agencies rose to a record $611 million, up nearly 16 percent over 2012.

Some of the increase is due to recent salary and other increases paid to state employees, which resulted in a higher cost-per-hour of overtime worked. However, total overtime hours also rose for many agencies.

The four agencies identified below accounted for 97.6 percent of the statewide increase in overtime costs in the first six months of 2014.

Agency

OT Spending (Jan-Jun 2014)

$ Increase

% Increase

Dept. of Corrections

$79,787,588

$6,864,970

9%

Office of Mental Health

$51,199,194

$6,167,989

14%

OPWDD

$67,092,038

$5,992,504

10%

Taxation & Finance

$4,595,174

$2,556,199

125%

Three of those agencies, which operate institutional facilities, accounted for 62.7 percent of total overtime spending: Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Mental Health. These three agencies also accounted for 63.2 percent of all overtime hours worked.

The highest increase in overtime hours was at the Department of Taxation and Finance, which saw a 128 percent jump, followed by the Office of Information Technology Services with 110 percent. Last year, Taxation and Finance ran up more than $8 million in overtime costs due in large part to problematic monitoring and processing of paper income tax returns.

Other state agencies decreased overtime spending in the first six months of 2014. The highest percentage decreases among agencies which spent at least $500,000 on overtime were: Department of Labor, down nearly 72 percent; Division of Homeland Security, down 67 percent; and the Department of Financial Services, down 65 percent.

Generally, state employees who are eligible for overtime compensation are paid at a rate of 1 ½ times their regular pay. Overtime may also impact pension payout calculations.

Friday, August 29, 2014

This statement came in from Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank in relation to 3 of the 6 candidates not showing up to be a part of the 79th A.D. Assembly District debate.

This afternoon we recorded the debate between the candidates for the Democratic Primary in the 79th AD in the Bronx. Of the six candidates, only three showed up. It's the fourth time of the five debates we've held this summer that has had empty chairs. This is an outrageous insult to the voters in the Bronx and an indictment of the nature of democracy here. Thanks to Michael Blake, Frederick Ricks, and Raul Rodriguez for participating in this important forum. The debate will air during our regular broadcast time at9:00pm Mondaynight on Cablevison's BronxNet channel 67 and Fios channel 33. It is streamed live and archived at www.bronxnet.org

Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank added.For the record, Lanita Jones sent an email in the morning saying she would not attend, George Alvarez was in the hallway outside the studio and five minutes before the show sent an assistant into the studio to say he had an emergency and couldn't stay, and Marsha Michael just did not attend.

To the backdrop of the Whitehall building last night's FREE Tony Orlando concert in Seton Park was enjoyed by an estimated 1,000 people. This was one of Senator Jeff Klein's Summer Concert Series in the parks, which last year saw Aretha Franklin in this same park. The photos below will tell you the story as Tony Orlando warmed up the crowd with his boyhood days of growing up in the Bronx by Fordham Road. Then he went into his 90 minute concert and all who attended wished it could continue. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Andrew Cohen, and the sponsor of the concert State Senator Jeff Klein. Dinowitz, Diaz Jr., and Cohen all thanked Senator Klein for sponsoring the concert. Senator Klein said that he only wants the people of his district to enjoy their wonderful amenities such as Seton Park, and a concert such as this is the perfect way to enjoy Seton Park. You can click on a photo to make it larger.

Left - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Stands next to Senator Klein as he waits for his turn to congratulate Senator Jeff Klein for the great concert.

Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduces the sponsor of the Tony Orlando Concert, and his good friend Senator Jeff Klein.

Left - Mr. Michael Blaustein of Senator Klein's office with Tony Orlando as Orlando points to what he use look like.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene.This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families.Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,10AM‒1PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13 FREE COMMUNITY TAI CHI CHUAN

This fall, come out and enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi, a gentle exercise that focuses on deep breath and movements based on images found in nature. Once a season, Wave Hill offers a free drop-in session for the community. This free session is led by Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. This session will be held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but registration recommended, online only. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits.

Learn how to knit with multiple yarns and colors with artistRuth Marshall, whose work is included in the fall exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. Inspired by exotic animals endangered by the illegal skin trade, Marshall creates hand-knit pelts representing individual animals. Using animal photographs from Marshall’s own research as inspiration, learn how to design and knit a four-inch swatch. Participants should know how to knit and purl. Bring a friend! Drop-ins accommodated as space permits. $30/$20 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.orgor at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call718.549.3200 x251for more information.

ECOLOGY BUILDING,1–4PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13 GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery,Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist FellowsTammy NguyenandAlexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY,2PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 FALL BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549,3200 x251 for more information.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 FAMILY ART PROJECT: FRANKENTHALER OUTDOOR PAINTING

Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene.This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families.Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,10AM‒1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss directorNeem Dewjiand other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at8AMon the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by3PM the Fridaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,10‒11:15AM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 MEDITATION

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewjiand other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at8AMon the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by3PM the Fridaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 COLORS OF THE FALL FAMILY WALK

After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk. Explore the intensity and value of colors in nature around Wave Hill. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow investigates a spectrum of colors found in plants and creatures on a stroll through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, SEPTEMBER 15

Closed to the public

TUE, SEPTEMBER 16 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,11AM

TUE, SEPTEMBER 16 GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery,Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist FellowsTammy NguyenandAlexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY,2PM

THU, SEPTEMBER 18 ANNUAL WAVE HILL GARDENERS’ PARTY

Wave Hill closes at3PMto dress for this annual benefit, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. This year’s Gardeners’ Party draws inspiration from the T.H. Everett Alpine House and Terrace and celebrates its namesake, the preeminent horticulturist Thomas H. Everett.

FRI, SEPTEMBER 19 ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Visit The Shop for our popular annual sale of rare plants, superior cultivars and top-notch performers specially selected by Wave Hill’s gardeners. The sale opens at the annual Gardeners’ Party benefit onThursday, September 18, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. The sale continues through the weekend.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER,10AM‒4PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon.Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

What You Should Know By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 32nd Senatorial District

You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, sponsored by New York City Council Member Annabel Palma, is pending in the New York City Council. If this bill is passed by the Council and signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio, it will provide a lifeline to many businesses that are being forced out of existence throughout the City simply because commercial real estate here is out of control.

You should know that the current state of affairs of commercial real estate has reached a crisis level- in particular to Hispanic New Yorkers who, for the most part, don't own their businesses and lease their commercial space. Too many bodegas and small businesses are being pushed out by greedy landlords and investment firms, and their businesses are being demolished for luxury development, or remain vacant.

You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, in one form or another, has been languishing in the New York City Council for thirty years – since Ruth Messinger and David Dinkins were in office. While almost every elected official will stand tall and proudly declare his or her support for this legislation, somehow or another, Council leadership makes sure that it never makes it out of committee for a vote - or when it WAS ready for a vote way back when David Yassky served as Chair of the Small Business Committee, the Speaker's office stopped it from moving forward claiming there were "legal concerns."

The real estate industry's grip on the City Council has become a nightmare for bodegueros and many successful Hispanic businesses, destroying any legacy that thousands of Hispanic New Yorkers could hope to pass on to the next generation. Add to that, these closings are costing us much-needed revenue in New York City and in New York State.

We all know that there are hundreds of empty stores in every borough. Many of these were once businesses that have been destroyed all because there is no real lease renewal protection for business owners. They are either unable to afford the astronomical rents, or they are unwilling to be extorted for cash by unscrupulous landlords.

My dear reader, we know that the major pathway for social mobility for many Hispanic families has been jobs from small businesses. As more and more Mom and Pop stores close, this vital pathway is being destroyed.

It would be very hard to find any elected official who isn't willing to pose in front of a camera and take a deep bow saying how dedicated he or she is to supporting small businesses. But when push comes to shove, it seems that all they are really willing to do is to play a sad game of false hope.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have to ask myself: Is this the cost of doing business in New York, or are there enough elected officials in the New York City Council and in the New York State Legislature who will finally say: "Enough is enough!" and pressure this law into existence.

“It is important that these services are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities that live within our community, especially in the Woodlawn and Wakefield areas of the borough where it is much harder to speak directly with MTA staff. These mobile units create easy accessibility and those who qualify will be able purchase their Reduced Fare MetroCards immediately,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The MetroCard Mobile sales staff will assist senior citizens age 65 and over, as well as people with disabilities in obtaining Reduced Fare MetroCards. While the base subway or local bus fare is $2.50, reduced fare is half the base fare, $1.25, or less with Reduced-Fare MetroCard discounts.

Those who qualify can ride at the reduced fare on local buses anytime, express busses anytime except weekday rush hours (Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), MTA Long Island Rail Road and the MTA Metro-North Railroad anytime except weekday rush hours to New York City Terminals.

A Reduced Fare MetroCard is personalized with your name and photograph. You must apply for and be approved to receive it.

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COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN REQUESTS ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SIGNS TO BE REPLACED ON RIVERDALE AND JOHNSON AVENUES

Incorrect parking signs changed from six days a week to three

Bronx, NY – The Department of Transportation has corrected the alternate side parking signs that were installed along Riverdale Avenue between West 238th and West 236th Street and on Johnson Avenue between West 236th Street and West 235th Street.

The alternate side parking was previously every day except Sunday from 8:00-8:30 a.m., but recent changes have reduced the days to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. Although the signs have already been changed along Riverdale Avenue, those signs on Johnson Avenue are currently in the process of changing.

“After speaking with local business owners on Riverdale and Johnson Avenues, I worked with the Department of Transportation to see that the alternate side parking signs be changed from six days a week to three.

“Many businesses in the area tend to see heavy traffic during that morning time frame, and the previous alternate side parking signs were decreasing business for local store owners. Six days a week was severely hurting our businesses.

“Many constituents were receiving parking tickets while utilizing the many morning businesses in that area. I hope that this new change will increase parking, allowing for a better flow of traffic and for business to return to normal,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds the city for returning to a sensible, alternate side parking schedule on Riverdale Avenue between West 236th and West 238th Street, as he had previously requested. Earlier this year, the New York City Department of Transportation installed signs indicating that there would be no parking on either side of Riverdale Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. from Monday through Saturday. The new schedule, unlike the previous alternate side parking schedule, proved to be a major inconvenience for businesses and local residents alike, as it prevented cars from parking on both sides of Riverdale Avenue for half an hour during every weekday morning.

After hearing complaints from constituents and local businesses, Assemblyman Dinowitz contacted the Department of Sanitation and the Department of Transportation to urge a return to the previous parking schedule, which allowed vehicles to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all times. Just months after instating the highly inconvenient parking schedule, the city agreed to revert to the more sensible alternate side parking schedule, and recently, the DOT installed new signage along Riverdale Avenue that codified the reversal.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Parking is hard enough to find in Riverdale without unnecessarily inconvenient parking policies. While our streets must be cleaned, I see no reason why both sides of Riverdale Avenue should be closed to parking during busy mornings every weekday to do so. The new policy placed a burden on the community, and it was clear that a better solution existed. I appreciate that the DOT listened to my concerns and installed new signs that allow people to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all hours of the day.”

According to the new signage, cars may not park on the east side of Riverdale Avenue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., and on the west side of the avenue on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. In addition to allowing cars to park on at least one side of the street at all times, the updated parking schedule reduces the total number of hours in which cars are not allowed to park along Riverdale Avenue from six hours per week to three.